Does the site contain accurate, reliable information or is the site full of science misconceptions? (Is the "Physics of Star Trek" the real deal?)

2. Responsible author.

Is there a way to validate the information at the web site? Is it clear who is responsible for the content? Can you contact the person who has written the information? Is there a way to e-mail a webmaster to ask specific questions? Often, biographical information of the author(s) is contained as a link somewhere within the web pages. If there doesn't appear to be any background information on the author, there is often a webmaster to e-mail for further information to clarify questions about authority. Researching the authority of a web site requires careful examination of the site.

3. Credentials of the author.

Is the content written by a scientist or another type of professional educator? Is the content biased to one point of view? Some web sites are known to advocate or support different causes and their biases are part of what we must keep in mind when we evaluate them. Some grassroots environmental organizations' on-line publications are slanted in a particular direction, just as one would expect from an activist group. Look at the viewpoint of the web site and analyze it.